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Protecting Property Rights Across the Country In 2005, a U.S. Supreme Court decision, Kelo v. New London, served as a wakeup call to many Americans. The right to own a home or small business is on shaky ground in states across the country. According to the Kelo verdict, politicians can team up with special interests to take homes, businesses, and churches simply because they want to replace them with private developments. These abuses can happen to anyone--but they often target those who don't have the resources to fight back.   In 2007, Americans for Limited Government worked with several property owners, including Helen Marie Taylor, to block city council's and county boards of supervisors from using eminent domain on their homes.  Mrs Taylor, a resident of Orange County Virginia, was an ancestor of presidents James Madison and Zack Taylor.  The Orange County Board of Supervisors sought to seize 3.5 acres of Bloomsbury, the ancestral home of President Madison, to expand a private drive for a timber company.  ALG worked with Mrs. Taylor to expose the abuse of power by these elected officials and help her block the County BOS from taking the historic land. For other examples, or to get help on a battle you face, please email us by clicking here.